Rockbridge, a Columbus, Ohio, private equity firm that invests extensively in hotels, recently completed its fifth annual Rock the Road event, raising US$650,000 for cancer research through the local Pelotonia bike ride.
The event starts with a one-day, out-of-the-box leadership conference attending by executives from across hotel industry disciplines – from owners and operators to suppliers. The learning and giving opportunity is capped by a bike ride at Pelotonia, one of the United States’ largest cancer fundraisers. Presidential sponsors this year included Rockbridge Hotel Development; Marriott International; Starwood Hotels & Resorts; Davidson Hotels & Resorts; IDC; Morris, Manning & Martin; Noble House Hotels & Resorts; and Hilton Worldwide.
This year’s event featured four speakers who challenged the hospitality industry executives to leave Rock the Road better than they came:
– Dr. Michael Caliguri, CEO of the James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute; Director of the Ohio State University’s Comprehensive Cancer Center; John L. Markakas Nationwide Insurance Enterprise Foundation Chair in Cancer Research;
– Robin Thurston, Chief Digital Officer for Under Armor;
– Blake Smith, Director of Entertainment for Virgin Hotels;
– Tim Kight, Owner and Leadership Coach of Focus 3 Culture.
Since 2011, Rockbridge has raised more than US$1.3 million for cancer research through support of Pelotonia and this year it nearly doubled its contribution from 2014. This year, a record number of Team Rockbridge members participated – 143 in total, including 121 cyclists, 19 virtual riders and three volunteers. Rockbridge provided a team jersey, high-end road bike and helmet for those wanting to fundraise for and take part in the cycling event.
Pelotonia has raised more than US$96.3 million for cancer research to date Rockbridge CEO and Founding Partner Jim Merkel plans to continue to challenge and inspire leaders in the hospitality industry and beyond through his Rock the Road event.
Merkel said the event also helps galvanize his organization, and having a rallying cry is motivating for the entire organization.